Family Kallah

Family Kallah

Memorial Day WeekendRegistration For 2018 Opening Soon!

Each spring, JRC members get out of the city to spend Friday to Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend with family and friends at Perlman Retreat Center in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. The weekend is filled with learning, praying, socializing, sports, singing, dancing, games and lots of food.

We celebrate Shabbat with a Friday evening family service, a spiritually enriching adult Saturday morning service and a family Havdalah ceremony. During the weekend, adults have the opportunity to study with clergy, while the kids are invited to join Kamp Kallah for fun activities. There is also plenty of free time to connect with family and friends and forge new relationships.

This year will be extra special because Rabbi Rachel Weiss and her family will be joining us for their very first Kallah!

Accommodations:

The Perlman Retreat Center is located on 380 acres of woods and fields, less than two hours from JRC. We stay in very basic (but clean) heated rooms that include 2-3 bunk beds and a private bath. Some tent camping sites are available at a discount. All food is prepared in a kosher kitchen and served buffet style; vegetarian options are available upon request. While there are no public showers for campers, some private rooms have showers. Campers have access to public bathrooms in two nearby buildings.

Kamp Kallah:
Kamp Kallah is all about the kids! They are in excellent hands: our very own Abby Harris Ridker (JRC Religious School Teacher) and Carrie Elsberg (a JRC preschool teacher) organize and oversee this program. We've got plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained and happy—nature hikes, sports, art, singing, youth services, junior onegs and play time.

Childcare:
Childcare is available during adult learning, praying and party times; individual babysitters give younger children lots of personal attention. Kallah guests are invited to volunteer to babysit and lead activities for the younger kids, under the supervision of Abby and Carrie.

Recreation:
The Perlman Retreat Center is a lovely setting for an enjoyable outdoor weekend, offering sports, hikes, bike rides, challenging yourself on a high-ropes course, or taking time to simply relax, read a book, or schmooze with friends, old and new. You can do as much or as little as you wish.

Volunteering:
Part of the magic of Kallah is the incredible contribution made by our members. In the past, participants have lead yoga for adults and kids, taught Israeli dancing, organized Ultimate Frisbee and softball games and coordinated the bonfire. We've even got volunteer opportunities for kids. Check out the registration form for more details about volunteering.

Any questions?

What to Expect: Learning, Fun and Community

After you register you will receive a packet by email explaining how to get there, what to bring, who’s coming and full details about the schedule.

Friday evening:
We try to arrive between 4:30pm and 5:00pm to get settled into the relaxed spirit of Shabbat and the weekend. At 6:00pm we have a short meet-and-greet followed by Shabbat dinner, a family Erev Shabbat service, singing and dancing. Afterwards, adults will delve into our first learning session. Kamp Kallah will be open for school age kids to enjoy snacks, games and movies. Babysitters will be available for younger children.

Saturday:
The schedule is full with prayer, learning, partying, free time, and food! After breakfast, Rabbi Weiss and Cantor Friedland lead a Shabbat service, and Kamp Kallah is open for fun and games. After lunch, everyone is invited to hang out with family and friends during free time. In the late afternoon another adult learning session will be offered with activities designed to stimulate hearts and minds.

After dinner we will host the annual children-led talent show. You can share your talent or cheer others on as they entertain us all! We close Shabbat with a Havdalah service and bonfire singalong (complete with s’mores, of course), as well as late night partying for those with more energy.

Sunday:
After breakfast there are participatory family activities (including arts and crafts and the annual Family Olympics) for all ages followed by free time, lunch and a closing friendship circle before everyone heads home.

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Our Religious School

The Religious School provides JRC children with the building blocks they need to engage throughout their lives in Jewish exploration, community and activism.

JRC Early Childhood Center

Our enriching and diverse preschool program is based on progressive Jewish values, and focuses on the importance of relationships between students, teachers, and families.